Daughters are a Blessing and a Curse

Deuteronomy 12: 12 And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters, your male servants and your female servants, and the Levite that is within your towns, since he has no portion or inheritance with you.

I am blessed with a wonderful daughter. She was born a bit premature and her first baby clothes fit Cabbage Patch kid dolls. She is the youngest of my three kids. And having two older brothers she was exposed to all the interesting things older brothers do. I am so glad she survived the crash test dummy sliding down the stairs in a laundry basket episode. She routinely out fishes her brothers and dad. And in case you are wondering, she does have her dad wrapped around her little finger.

With apologies to the ladies out there reading this, I want to talk specifically to Fathers. This could be a “suggestion” given to fathers by mothers I suppose. But guys, let’s talk.  When was the last time you had a worship experience that was just you and your daughter?  Has it been awhile, or maybe has it ever happened? This is an important point to consider. All to frequently in our world today, the woman is the driver for children participating in worship and study of Christianity. The traditional role that men were given has shifted. I will not argue whether this is appropriate or not. Looking at Deuteronomy 12:12 certainly gives you insight into what our Lord expects.  But I will pitch to you that if you do not step up and become actively involved in the spiritual growth of your daughters you are selling yourself short. This opportunity to share time in study and worship is precious. You have a limited window of opportunity to take advantage of. And what better opportunity could there be to initiate meaningful conversation about today’s world than during study of the Word.  The contrasts (and similarities) between biblical times and today are food for great discussions.  It can also provide you with the opportunity to mentor your daughter on how to help her future husband in having a great relationship with her daughters. This is a pay it forward opportunity, along with doing what we as parents are called to do when we baptize our children. We are to put the Word of the Lord in front of our children. We are to bring them to worship services. We are to mentor their growth as Christians. Dropping our daughters off at Sunday school and picking them up when they are finished is just so not enough. Please, take an active role in the development of your daughters spiritual life. And who knows, you may be even asked questions about why you worry about your daughters so much (the curse part)? Give it a try.

PRAYER: Father, Abba, You give us daughters as a blessing. These gifts from you are more precious that gold. We are given the opportunity to guide our daughters in the growing love for You O God. Help us with the right words and actions to foster a relationship with with You that lasts their entire life time. Gives is the time and the patience to carry this out, by Your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen